Sense and Sensibility (Adaptation) characters

Appears from the start

The eldest Dashwood daughter, thoughtful, self-controlled, and attentive to practical realities. She feels deeply but protects others by keeping her strongest emotions private.

Appears from the start

Elinor's younger sister, ardent, candid, and devoted to music and poetry. She values emotional openness and is suspicious of reserve, making little effort to conceal either love or dislike.

Appears from the start

The widowed mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Generous and romantic in temperament, she shares Marianne's readiness to trust feeling and must establish a new home after her husband's death.

Appears from the start

The Dashwood sisters' wealthy older half-brother, who inherits Norland. At his dying father's request, he promises to assist his stepmother and sisters.

Appears from the start

John Dashwood's wealthy, coldly calculating wife and Edward Ferrars's sister. She arrives at Norland immediately after the inheritance and makes the Dashwood women feel like unwelcome guests in their former home.

First appears in chapter 3

Fanny's quiet, good-natured brother. He lacks fashionable confidence and prefers a useful private life to the grand career his family expects.

First appears in chapter 6

Mrs Dashwood's hospitable cousin, who offers her family Barton Cottage on his Devonshire estate. Sociable and energetic, he is constantly arranging visits, parties, and possible romances.

First appears in chapter 7

Lady Middleton's cheerful and inquisitive mother. She enjoys company, gossip, and matchmaking, and quickly takes an affectionate interest in the Dashwood sisters.

First appears in chapter 7

A reserved gentleman of thirty-five and an old friend of Sir John. His seriousness initially makes him seem dull to Marianne, but he treats her with steady admiration and concern.

First appears in chapter 9

A handsome, lively young man who rescues Marianne after she falls on a wet hillside. His appearance, confident manners, and gallant assistance immediately delight her.

First appears in chapter 22

A talkative young woman visiting relatives near Barton. She deliberately seeks Elinor's confidence and reveals that she has long been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars.

Also known as Nancy Steele

First appears in chapter 21

Lucy's older sister, less discreet and more foolish than Lucy. Her fondness for gossip makes her an unreliable keeper of sensitive family news.

First appears in chapter 33

Edward Ferrars's vain younger brother, first encountered while choosing an elaborate toothpick case. He values fashion, status, and his mother's approval.